Facts:

Main developer: CS Energy

CS Energy’s demonstration project at its coal-fired Callide A power station in Biloela, in Central Queensland aims to test the potential for low-emission electricity generation by retrofitting oxyfuel combustion technology and a carbon capture plant to one of six 30MW boilers.

In April 2012, CS Energy announced that the retrofitted combustion and capture technology had been commissioned and was firing successfully - a major milestone for the project. The company estimates that the oxyfuel boiler and capture plant will be fully operational later in the year. The demonstration is expected to run initially for two years.

The first stage of the project is developing CO2 capture, and stage two will include the transport, injection and storage of captured and liquefied CO2. Results from the project will be used to inform how the technology can be applied at new power stations. The venture has identified potential storage sites to the west of Biloela, including a geological area known as the Denison Trough about 300km from the plant. It is estimated that the project could store up to 60,000 tonnes of CO2 over five years - the expected duration of the project.

The project is headed by CS Energy in partnership with Japan’s IHI Corporation, J-Power – which will provide project management support and expertise in low emission coal technology – and Mitsui & Co, along with Schlumberger Oilfields Australia and Xstrata Coal. It will also be supported the Australian Coal Association and the Australian and Queensland governments.

The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate considers the Callide Oxyfuel demonstration to be a flagship project.

Financing

The total estimated cost of the project is about A$206 million. Funding is being provided by the project partners along with A$50 million from Australia’s Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF), and financial support from the Australian Coal Association’s COAL 21 fund and the Queensland government.

Timing

The project contract between CS Energy and Australia’s Ministry for Resources and Energy was signed in March 2008. Power generation using the oxyfuel technology was commissioned in March/April 2012. The second phase of the project will involve CO2 geo-sequestration.

More information and press releases

Wall Street Journal article on capture plant commissioning, 22 April 2012

Link to project information

Link to project press releases

Contact

Email energyinfo@csenergy.com.au or call 0061-73222 9838

Storage:

Callide 'A' Power Station is situated about 300km from a geological area known as the Denison Trough. Extensive studies have confirmed this area as an ideal site to store carbon dioxide. Large volumes of gas have been securely trapped and stored here for millions of years. The region also has a very low level of seismic activity. The liquid carbon dioxide will be pumped deep underground through rock strata into a seam of porous rock. It will be trapped in this formation with the cap rock above it providing a natural seal.

Companies involved

Homepage:

http://www.callideoxyfuel.com/What/Calli